Friends of the Smokies to Get First Year Proceeds of Dolly Parton’s New CD

Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park will receive the proceeds for the entire year 2009 from the sale of Dolly Parton’s new CD release Sha-Kon-Hey!. Dolly, who grew up near Great Smoky and built her Dollywood theme park nearby, is the official ambassador of the park’s 75th anniversary celebration, a a series of events and activities that will take place throughout 2009.

Released February 11, Parton’s new album (subtitled “Land of Blue Smoke”) contains eight original songs written and performed by Dolly herself. It’s available for purchase through the Friends of the Smokies online store for ten bucks plus shipping.

Profits from the sale of the CD will be put to good use. Friends of the Smokies (as the NGO is popularly known) helps the NPS “preserve and protect Great Smoky Mountains National Park by raising funds and public awareness, and by providing volunteers for needed projects.” The Friends hope to raise $4 million for their high profile Trails Forever program before the anniversary celebration draws to a close.